Describe and explain the reactivity of group 1 metals

The reactivity of Group 1 metals increases as we move down the periodic table.As we move down the group 1 elements the number of electron shells increases. This means that the electrostatic forces of attraction between the positive nucleus and negative outer electron decreases down the table. Therefore it takes less energy to remove the outer electron of the atom, making the element more reactive. For example, it will take less energy to remove the outer electron of a sodium atom than it will to remove it from a lithium atom as there are more electron shells in a sodium atom.

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Answered by Myles D. Chemistry tutor

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